02/17/2010
Vikings Dominate Schenectady on "Senior Night"

The Hudson Valley Community College men's basketball team (19-8) celebrated "Senior Night" on Tuesday, Feb. 16, playing their final home game as one of the most successful classes in program history. The Vikings came away with an 86-70 win over the Royals of Schenectady County Community College (16-9), avenging an early-season loss.

Hudson Valley came out to a quick 10-2 lead after a three-ball by Anthony Robustiano (Mohonasen, Schenectady) and continued to push the lead, eventually making the score 43-23 with 3:44 left in the first half. Ramel Alexander (Berkshire, Albany) led the Vikings to a 47-28 halftime lead as he poured in 15 points during the first 20 minutes.

Schenectady upped the pressure in the second half as it attempted to chip away at the Viking lead. After a string of Hudson Valley turnovers the Royals were able to get as close as 12 points with the score 71-59 and 2:52 to play. However, neither the Vikings nor the clock would allow Schenectady to get any closer as Hudson Valley coasted to the 86-70 victory.

Alexander ended with a game-high 32 points. Freshman Kyle Mafrici (Colonie, Schenectady) had one of his better outings in the second half of the season with 18 points. Carlos Pellot-Rivera (Carmel, Carmel) added 12.

The 19-8 Vikings await seeding by the selection committee for the Region III tournament. The full Region III Tournament bracket will be announced Monday, Feb. 22.